The brace runs side-to-side just above the front edge of the tank. It is not so much a brace as a support channel for the wooden panels forming the rear parcel area. Without one I suspect the wooden panels would bow rather badly.
Doug L.
--Previous Message-- : There is supposed to be a cross-brace : over the gas tank? My '72 does not : have one, or any evidence of one. I : guess it ran back to front?